George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Travelers can choose among taxis, rideshare services, METRO buses, rental cars, shared shuttles and pre-booked private transportation. The most convenient option depends on the destination, group size, luggage and arrival time.

METRO Route 500 (IAH Downtown Direct) offers a nonstop connection to Downtown Houston, and Route 102 provides local service. Taxis leave from the official taxi stands outside baggage claim, and rideshare pickups use designated zones at each terminal.

Pre-booked private transportation provides direct service to hotels, homes and offices in Downtown Houston, the Galleria, the Texas Medical Center, The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, Clear Lake and Galveston, including the cruise terminals. Booking in advance also gives travelers clear pickup instructions and avoids arranging a ride after a long flight.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is Houston’s largest airport and one of the busiest international gateways in the United States. Located about 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, between Interstate 45 and Interstate 69/US 59, it serves Greater Houston and much of Southeast Texas with nonstop service to destinations across the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

The airport is one of United Airlines’ largest hubs and United’s principal gateway to Mexico, Central America and South America. It also receives service from many U.S. carriers and international airlines from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

IAH is owned by the City of Houston and operated by the Houston Airport System, which also operates William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in the south of the city. The airport is in the middle of a major redevelopment, including a new international terminal complex and United’s rebuilt Terminal B.

Departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Confirm your airline and departure terminal before leaving your hotel. Houston traffic can be heavy on the freeways leading to the airport, especially during weekday rush hours, so allow extra time for the drive, check-in and security. A pre-booked transfer helps coordinate the pickup time with your flight schedule and departure terminal.

For current flight information, consult the official Houston Airports website and confirm gate changes, delays and cancellations directly with the operating airline.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is owned by the City of Houston and operated by the Houston Airport System. The airfield has five runways, allowing simultaneous operations in different wind conditions.

After landing, domestic passengers go straight to baggage claim in their arrival terminal. International passengers first clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in the international terminal area, then collect their bags and pass through customs before exiting. Processing times can be longer when several long-haul flights arrive together.

Travelers using pre-booked transportation should follow the pickup instructions in their confirmation. Avoid accepting unsolicited ride offers inside the terminal; use the official taxi stand, the designated rideshare zones or your confirmed provider.

Immigration, baggage claim and customs

International passengers normally complete the following steps after landing:

1. Follow signs to U.S. Customs and Border Protection passport control.
2. Present a valid passport and any visa or ESTA authorization required for your nationality.
3. Collect checked baggage from the carousel assigned to the flight.
4. Report missing or damaged checked baggage to the airline before leaving the baggage-claim area.
5. Pass through the customs exit and make any required declaration.
6. Continue to the public arrivals area, or recheck bags if connecting to another flight.

Eligible travelers may be able to use Global Entry kiosks or the Mobile Passport Control app to speed up processing. Eligibility and procedures can change, so follow the instructions displayed on arrival.

Items lost on an aircraft or checked-baggage problems are handled by the airline. Items lost inside the terminal are handled by the airport’s lost-and-found service.

Arrival tips

• Travel documents Carry a valid passport and any visa or ESTA authorization required for entry to the United States.
• Currency The U.S. dollar is the local currency, and cards are accepted almost everywhere.
• Transportation Pre-booking transportation is recommended, especially for late arrivals and large groups.
• Customs and immigration Expect lines at peak times. Keep documents and medication in your carry-on.
• Connectivity Free airport Wi-Fi is available in the terminals.
• Local time Houston uses Central Time (UTC−6, or UTC−5 during daylight saving time).

George Bush Intercontinental Airport is the main gateway to Houston and Southeast Texas. Here are some popular locations you can reach from the airport (typical drive times, which vary widely with traffic):

• Downtown Houston (30–45 minutes from IAH) The business district, convention center, sports venues and theater district.
• Uptown and the Galleria (35–50 minutes from IAH) Houston’s main shopping district, with many hotels and offices.
• Texas Medical Center (40–55 minutes from IAH) The world’s largest medical complex, next to NRG Park and Rice University.
• The Woodlands (25–35 minutes from IAH) A master-planned community north of the airport with corporate campuses and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
• Kingwood and Humble (15–25 minutes from IAH) Residential areas just east of the airport.
• Energy Corridor and Katy (45–60 minutes from IAH) West Houston’s energy-industry offices and suburbs.
• Clear Lake and NASA Johnson Space Center (50–70 minutes from IAH) Home of Space Center Houston.
• Galveston and the cruise terminals (75–100 minutes from IAH) Beaches, historic districts and Galveston’s cruise port.

IAH’s five terminals are connected by two free automated trains:

• Skyway runs airside, after security, and links all terminals. It is the fastest option for connecting passengers who do not need to leave the secure area.
• Subway runs landside, before security, and links the terminals with the Houston Airport Marriott. It is the option for passengers who have left the secure area or need to check in at a different terminal.

Allow additional connection time when changing terminals, especially if you must clear immigration and customs, collect baggage and recheck it after an international arrival. Always verify the arrival and departure terminals with the operating airline because assignments can change during the ongoing redevelopment.

IAH is in the middle of a major redevelopment, so terminal assignments and check-in locations can change. The airline’s boarding pass, app or confirmation should always be treated as the final source.

IAH has lounges in every terminal, including several United Clubs, a United Polaris lounge and a range of airline, credit-card and pay-per-use lounges. Facilities can include Wi-Fi, refreshments, flight-information screens, work areas and accessible seating.

Access may be available through an eligible premium ticket, lounge membership, credit-card programme, Priority Pass or paid entry, subject to capacity. Locations, hours, prices and access rules should be verified directly with the lounge before departure.

Passengers who require wheelchair service or other assistance should request it from their airline when booking or at least 48 hours before departure whenever possible. The airport provides accessible routes, elevators, ramps, adapted restrooms and accessible Skyway and Subway trains, but assistance arrangements are managed primarily by the airline and its ground-handling company.

Travelers using mobility equipment, travelling with a service animal or requiring help through security should confirm documentation and handling requirements with the airline in advance, and can request help at the checkpoint through TSA Cares. On arrival, notify airline staff before leaving the aircraft if assistance has been requested.

IAH offers terminal parking garages within walking distance of the terminals, valet parking, and lower-cost economy lots connected to the terminals by free shuttle buses. Parking operates around the clock, but tariffs, payment methods and garage access can change during the ongoing construction. Check current rates and availability on the official Houston Airports website before travelling, keep the parking ticket secure and allow extra time when departing from a different terminal.

Hotel shuttle schedules, walking access and pickup locations should be confirmed directly with the hotel before arrival.